free to be me
You may be tempted to just be lazy this summer, but by spending your holidays more productively, you can benefit others and improve yourself
As a young girl growing up in Australia, summer was my favourite season. I lived close to the beach where I would spend as much time as possible riding the waves on my surfboard and hanging out with my friends.
The last thing I wanted to do was think, work or do anything that would ruin my chance of having a great summer.
But my summers were not particularly productive.
How do you plan to spend the summer? Do you want it to be productive, enjoyable and exciting?
Let's look at ways to make your summer productive.
Spend time with people who care about you
Make a list of the friends you have who truly care about you.
These are people with whom you share things in common and who will help make your summer productive.
This summer, choose to only spend time with productive people who will motivate and encourage you. Avoid those who will try to make you go against your values and standards.
And don't forget your parents!
I encourage you to spend time with them. Take your parents out for dinner, a coffee or a movie.
Without school deadlines, you will realise that when you are relaxed, spending time with your folks is enjoyable.
Set your boundaries
Summer can be a time for experimentation. You will have more time to spend with your friends and meet many people. Your life will seem to expand.
There will also be many opportunities for you to go against what you believe in.
So before the summer starts, sit down and list your personal boundaries.
Volunteer to help others
Dedicate some time to helping someone. You will feel good after you've helped change someone else's summer and brightened up their life.
E-mail me to find out how you can get involved.
Further your learning
Don't allow your mind to stop working! Give your brain a short break, but find a topic that greatly interests you ... one that you wouldn't have the chance to learn about at school.
Read a new book, listen to various types of music and watch different types of movies.
Find a casual job
What could be more productive than earning money?
Look for casual work or help your neighbours and people in your street. Ask people if you can work for them.
You may be able to save up enough money for a trip next summer.
Relax
You can't be productive if you haven't restored your energy.
Too much relaxation will make you unproductive, so don't sit in front of the television and computer all day. Balance your activities by exercising and going outside.
